Community-based, women-centered initiative

Lighting the path for mothers, children & youth.

Ilays Hooyo Organization (IHO) is a non-profit, non-political and community-driven organization working to protect, empower and uplift vulnerable families through education, protection, health and livelihoods support.

Primary focus Women, children & youth
Geographic coverage Somalia (urban & rural)
Legal status Registered local NGO
Who we are

About Ilays Hooyo Organization

"Ilays Hooyo" means the light of the mother – symbolizing care, stability and hope at the heart of every family and community.

Ilays Hooyo Organization is a Somali-led, non-profit organization committed to supporting vulnerable families – especially women, children and youth – affected by conflict, displacement, poverty and recurrent shocks such as droughts.

We work hand-in-hand with communities, local authorities and partners to design context-appropriate solutions that protect dignity, promote education, improve health and nutrition, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Our approach is rooted in community participation, gender sensitivity, and the belief that lasting change comes from empowering people to lead their own development.

Community-Driven

We co-design programs with the communities we serve, ensuring local ownership and cultural relevance.

Women-Centered

Mothers and women are at the heart of our work, recognized as agents of change and resilience.

Evidence-Based

We use data and community feedback to continuously improve our programs and demonstrate impact.

Holistic Approach

We address interconnected needs – education, protection, health, and livelihoods – for lasting change.

What we do

Our Focus Areas

We work across four interconnected pillars to create lasting positive change in the lives of vulnerable families.

📚
Education & Learning

Providing access to quality education for children and youth, including literacy programs for mothers, vocational training, and life skills development.

🛡️
Child & Women Protection

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence, child abuse, and exploitation through awareness, safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal aid.

🏥
Health & Nutrition

Improving maternal and child health through nutrition programs, health education, access to clean water, and linkages to healthcare services.

💼
Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment

Supporting families to achieve economic self-sufficiency through skills training, small business support, savings groups, and income-generating activities.

🤝
Community Mobilization

Strengthening community structures, training volunteers, and fostering local leadership to ensure sustainable, community-led development.

🌍
Emergency Response

Providing rapid humanitarian assistance during droughts, floods, and displacement crises, including food, shelter, water, and protection services.

Our Results

Impact & Reach

Measuring our progress and demonstrating tangible change in the communities we serve.

2024 Highlights

Since our establishment, Ilays Hooyo Organization has reached thousands of vulnerable families across Somalia, providing integrated support that addresses their most pressing needs.

Our programs are designed to create lasting change, building resilience and self-reliance while protecting the dignity and rights of women, children, and youth.

2024
Expanded programs to 3 new regions
2023
Launched women's economic empowerment initiative
2022
Established community protection networks
2021
Organization founded and registered
1,500+
Families supported
3,200+
Children reached
850+
Women empowered
80+
Community volunteers
12
Active programs
5
Regions covered
Our Work

Programs & Initiatives

Integrated programs designed to address the interconnected needs of vulnerable families in Somalia.

  • Mother & Child Nutrition Program
    Health Ongoing
    Addressing malnutrition through supplementary feeding, nutrition education, and growth monitoring for mothers and children under 5.
  • Girls' Education Initiative
    Education Ongoing
    Increasing school enrollment and retention for girls through scholarships, safe learning spaces, and community engagement.
  • Women's Economic Empowerment
    Livelihoods Ongoing
    Supporting women to start and grow small businesses through skills training, seed grants, and savings groups.
  • Child Protection Network
    Protection Ongoing
    Preventing and responding to child abuse, exploitation, and violence through community-based protection mechanisms.
  • Emergency Drought Response
    Emergency Active
    Providing life-saving assistance to drought-affected families, including food, water, and emergency health services.
Amina's Story

"Through the business training and small loan, I started a tailoring shop. Now I can support my children's education and we have enough food every day."

Fatima's Journey

"I was out of school for 2 years. The scholarship program brought me back. Now I dream of becoming a teacher to help other girls like me."

Community Impact

"Our village now has trained volunteers who watch over our children. Parents know where to report concerns and children feel safer."

Hassan's Progress

"My son was severely malnourished. The nutrition program saved his life. He is now healthy, active, and attending school regularly."

Collaboration

Partners & Supporters

Working together with local and international partners to maximize our impact and reach.

UN Agencies International NGOs Local Authorities Community Organizations Private Sector Academic Institutions
Get in Touch

Contact Us

Interested in partnering, supporting our work, or learning more? We'd love to hear from you.

Organization
Ilays Hooyo Organization (IHO)
Phone
+252 613 048025
Location
Somalia
Office Hours
Saturday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (EAT)
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